Photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
Several surveys show that fall is by far Americans’ favorite season. And anecdotally, a scroll through Instagram certainly backs this up. Entire accounts are devoted to fall foliage views and autumnal decor, while influencers started posting seasonal recipes and DIY projects long before summer was over. But you don’t need a social media account to enjoy all the season has to offer. There are plenty of places within a short drive or train ride of New York City to enjoy apple picking, pumpkin picking, and so much more, in real life. Read on for our 10 favorite fall farms.
Westchester County
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard: North Salem, NY
Offerings: Pumpkin picking, apple picking, hay rides
Not only will this farm give you traditional pumpkin and apple picking, but it’ll help you fill your Instagram feed with fun foodie picks. Most popular is the Cider Smash, an apple cider-vanilla ice cream slushie topped off with an apple cider donut. Even better is that the cider comes from the farm’s Hardscrabble Cider outpost, where you can try seven hard ciders on tap, or enjoy a cider cocktail with lunch or bar bites.
For the full experience, grab a ticket to the farm’s brand-new Mystic Moon, a 40-minute immersive experience that’s described as “mystical and enchanting” rather than spooky and creepy.
Outhouse Orchards: North Salem, NY
Offerings: Pumpkin picking, apple picking, sunflower picking, hay rides, corn maze
For those farmhouse vibes, head to Outhouse Orchards. The farm stand is full of fresh produce, apple cider donuts, local maple syrup, and more. In addition to apple and pumpkin picking, the farm has u-pick pears and peaches (yes, peaches are available through October). You can also pick your own sunflowers and zinnias.
Not great at crafting your own photo-ops? This spot has plenty of pre-curated displays to make your pictures pop.
Hudson Valley
Apple Dave’s Orchards & Distillery: Warwick, NY
Offerings: Apple picking and pumpkin picking
How about apple picking with a backdrop of lake and mountain views? That’s what this lovely Warwick farm offers, along with sprawling grounds perfect for picnicking and several walking trails.
Then, head over to the distillery in the red barn, which offers local beers, seasonal cocktails, shawangunk wines, and authentic Apple Jack. On most fall weekends, the distillery has live music, too.
Kelder’s Farm: Kerhonkson, NY
Offerings: Pumpkin picking, apple picking, hay rides, corn maze
You can’t miss this farm; the self-described world’s largest garden gnome stands at the entrance. After taking your selfie with this enormous sculpture, enjoy apple picking and pumpkin picking, and let the kids bounce around on the giant in-ground trampoline. There are tons of other activities for the little ones, too, including giant board games, a climbable hay mountain, and a corn barn (like a sandbox, but with corn kernels).
If you’re planning to make a weekend out of it, the nearby Minnewaska State Park is a beautiful hike to see fall foliage.
Connecticut
Lyman Orchards: Middlefield, CT
Offerings: Apple picking, pumpkin picking, corn maze
For u-pick opportunities, Lyman Orchards is one of the best options in the region. Until mid-November, you can pick from 27 varieties of apples, planted across 30,000 trees set on 100 acres. In addition, peaches, nectarines, and pears (including Asian pears) are available for picking through the end of September, as well as pumpkins through the end of October. The best part? All of their fruit is Eco-certified.
Be sure to leave plenty of time to visit the Apple Barrel farm market, where you can pick up jams, jellies, sauces, and more made from Lyman’s own fruit. And you’ll definitely want to get a homemade apple pie (high-top apple or apple crumb), or one of the other fresh fruit pies.
Silverman’s Farm: Easton, CT
Offerings: Apple picking, pumpkin picking, hay rides
Silverman’s would be picturesque even without the acres and acres of apple trees. The farm is set among gorgeous rolling hills lined with trees that change color in the fall. Add in the fruit orchards, and you truly can’t beat it.
The animal farm here is one of the best for kids. They can feed and pet buffalo, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, fallow deer, emus, and long-horn cattle.
Long Island
Hank’s Pumpkintown: Southampton, NY
Offerings: Pumpkin picking, apple picking, hay rides, corn maze
It seems like everywhere you look at Hank’s, there are pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures—whether they’re out in the fields or piled high in various display bins. This includes a pink tractor filled with pink porcelain doll pumpkins, the sales from which are donated to breast cancer research.
You can truly make a whole day of visiting Hank’s, as there’s also apple picking, a corn maze, gem mining, a market, and hard cider tasting.
Woodside Orchards: Aquebogue and Jamesport, NY
Offerings: Apple picking
This family-owned farm embodies the rural history of Long Island’s beautiful North Fork region. When the apple farm began in 1982, the owners sold their fruit at “The Apple Shed,” a small wooden farm stand. Today, you can still visit (and take a picture in front of) this quaint building at the Jamesport location.
Today, in addition to offering apple picking and baked goods for sale, Woodside Orchards makes its own hard ciders, which you can sample in the rustic tasting room at the Aquebogue location.
New Jersey
Happy Day Farm: Manalapan, NJ
Offerings: Pumpkin picking, sunflower picking, hay rides, corn maze
This Central Jersey farm is a pumpkin lover’s paradise. Here, you’ll get much more than traditional orange pumpkins. Think, pale green and pink pumpkins, funky gourds, and extra-large pumpkins. Throughout the farm, there are also pumpkin houses and installations for perfect photo-ops.
For the kids, there’s a giant corn maze, pedal carts, rubber duck races, a fun slide, and more.
A. Casola Farms: Holmdel, NJ
Offerings: Pumpkin picking, hay rides, corn maze
We recommend this spot for the adults. Yes, the farm has pumpkin picking, a petting zoo, and more, but you’ll get the most spectacular views at the adjacent Fox Hollow Vineyards. The winery’s outdoor patio has several different areas where you can set up with your wine tasting and a cheese plate, enjoying live music and the rolling-hill scenery and colorful landscaping. The lower level has cozy firepits and outdoor games.
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